Roofing questions, answered plainly

A 3-tab asphalt shingle runs about 15 to 20 years and an architectural shingle about 25 to 30, and Oklahoma hail and heat can shorten both. Metal lasts longer, often 40 years or more. We say what we see on your roof, not a number from a chart.

Most homes take one to three days of crew work. A steep roof, a large roof or a bad week of weather takes longer. We give you the days we expect when we write the estimate.

Most Oklahoma cities require one for a full replacement, and the fee depends on the city. We pull it for you and the permit is listed on your written estimate. Ask us which city office covers your address.

Shingles that are curled, cracked or missing, granules collecting in the gutters, stains on an attic ceiling or daylight through the deck, damaged flashing, and a roof near the end of its expected life.

Two parts: the manufacturer's warranty on the shingle, and a workmanship warranty from us on the installation. Both are written into your contract with their terms, what they exclude and who registers them, before you sign.

It means different things at different makers. Usually it covers manufacturing defects for as long as you own the home, drops to partial coverage after an initial period, and does not cover hail. We show you the actual terms for the shingle on your estimate.

For sudden damage from hail or wind, subject to your policy; not for wear, age or poor upkeep. A replacement-cost policy and an actual-cash-value policy pay differently, and the deductible stays with you. Your insurer decides, and your agent can explain your policy.

No. The deductible is yours to pay, and Oklahoma law bars roofers from offering to waive, absorb or rebate it. A roofer who offers is putting your contract at risk.

Photograph the damage from the ground, keep your receipts, make only temporary repairs such as a tarp over a leak, and tell your insurer. Call us for an inspection when you are ready, and we can be at the house when your adjuster comes if you ask.

Bruised or cracked shingles, granule loss in round patches, and dents in vents, gutters and flashing. Some of it can't be seen from the ground, so we look at the roof and take photos of what we find and where.

Take their name and their Oklahoma registration number and look the number up with the state before you sign anything. Do not sign over your insurance rights, and do not agree to anything the same day. We don't go door to door.

Class 4 is the top impact rating, UL 2218, a test with a steel ball dropped from a height. Some insurers discount a policy for a Class 4 roof and each company decides whether and by how much. Ask your agent before you choose, and we will give you the product's rating papers to send.

Deposit and payment terms are written on your estimate before you sign, and we explain them at the visit. If we offer financing, the lender, rate and term are shown beside any payment amount.

If you sign at home, you may have 3 business days to cancel. If you signed a roofing contract for an insurance claim and your insurer denies the claim in writing, Oklahoma gives you 72 hours to cancel. The notice is printed on the contract and we go over it with you.